The Spaniard signed a five-year contract when he joined Napoli, which does not expire until 2023, so the Serie A side would be under absolutely no pressure to sell and would demand an enormous transfer fee for one of their star players.

Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo have suggested that Barcelona will make an opening bid of €60m (£54m) in January, but Napoli could demand even more than that.

Ruiz played against Liverpool in last season’s Champions League group stage, when the Reds narrowly qualified ahead of the Italians thanks to goal difference.

Jurgen Klopp’s side famously went on to win the tournament, beating Tottenham in the final in June, and Ruiz predicted that after meeting them early on.

‘The truth is that we could’ve progressed and eliminated Liverpool, but they got through (the group) on goal difference in the end,’ Ruiz told Marca.

‘Klopp has done a very good job, they never gave up. That’s why I think Liverpool will not let the final escape them this year.’